Review: Misfit in Middle America by Mandy M Roth

Misfit in Middle America (goodreads.com)

By: Mandy M Roth (author website)

eBook, 65 pages

Publisher: The Raven Books; 2 edition (April 17, 2012)

ASIN: B007VHALZY

Source: Publisher, for the purpose of an honest review

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stars: 3

Flames: 3

Misfit in Middle America by Mandy M. Roth is a short read packed with action, supernatural, and a nice smidge of hot sex. The story takes place in North Maple Ridge in the Midwest of the USA.  The town has just experienced its third murder in as little as three weeks and Chief Adam Sisel is investigating the gruesome murders.  Little does he know that the murders are part of a bigger mystery; one that surrounds the small town and most of its residence.  Chief Sisel and his son are considered the outcasts of the town, as they were not originally born and bred, but transplants.  We also meet Beth Murray, resident and town reporter.  Furthermore, the only woman that Adam has an interest in since his wife ran out on him and his son, Justin some 15 years ago. Of course, leave it to a man to not express his feelings and tell her of his interest.

Adam and Beth are inadvertently paired together to deal with the horrific murders after the latest two victims are revealed; Jonathon and Robert, Beth’s cousins. Jonathon has met is demise while Robert’s life hangs in the balance.  We soon learn that Beth and many of the townspeople are witches or magiks and that Robert is part of the paranormal presence that is slaughtering the youths. 

We also meet Justin, Adam’s quiet- Goth son who now finds himself in the thick of the magic invading the town and is being looked at as a “planted-suspect” by some of the townspeople.

Although it took me less than an hour and a half to read the book, it was packed throughout every page and held my interest. I wished that the book could have been longer as I saw so much more being written into the story and the world of the occult.  I wanted to find out the mystery of the town and the involvement of the paranormal and even though the book answered my questions, it did so very quickly. Additionally while there was only one major sex scene, the scene was smoking and well worth it; finally bringing Adam and Beth together. 

This is my first read of Ms. Roth but I would consider reading other works published by her. The internal conflict that she writes into her characters, especially Adam was done with clarity and sensitivity, never doubting where he was coming from. Overall, I enjoyed the story.

Review: Envy by J. R. Ward

Envy (goodreads.com)

By: J. R. Ward (author website)

Mass Market Paperback, 454 pages

Published September 6th 2011 by Signet (first published January 1st 2011)

ISBN 13: 9780451229458

Source: Purchased for self

Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Series: The Fallen Angels, book #3

Best read in order: yes

Stars: 3

Flames: 3

I absolutely LOVED Covet and Crave. I have told anyone who cared to listen to me that I prefer the Fallen Angels to the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I was slightly disappointed in Envy. I always have a hard time putting down one of the Fallen Angels books. Life does happen around reading so the book has to be put down for a moment on occasion. I didn’t have a problem putting Envy down. On the other hand I also did not have to force myself to finish it. I just felt that something was missing. I’m just not sure what exactly was missing.

Reilly and Veck worked as a couple for me, mostly. I never felt their connection sexually, but I did understand their emotional connections and the attractions. They work together and they chose the same career path for similar reasons. They brought much of this books entertainment to the surface of some sometimes murky pages.

I had a tiny issue with how Reilly too easily played into the hands of one of Devina’s puppets. Reilly stood up for Veck in the initial IA investigation that put them together as partners. I won’t say she blindly trusted him, but she did carefully view all the facts. Then she just took a semi strangers words as factual evidence. That was completely out of Sophia’s character. I liked that she was a fair and just internal affairs officer who looked at the evidence that was presented to her unbiasedly. That was one of the many things that made Reilly such a strong heroine.  

I liked Veck. He had grown accustomed to why many people wanted into his life. It has hardened him to a degree. He knows there is something dark and not right with him. I enjoyed how that that was with him played out in the grand scheme of the book. He has learned how to manage his dark and twisty to a degree. I think this allowed for him to not ask too many questions when angels popped into his life.

I enjoyed the new facts that readers were given about Devina. She’s a devilish demon that needs therapy. What is there not to be intrigued about? The moment that she had to give up one of her precious little baubles, oh I loved it. She was moving into full-fledged panic attack territory.

Jim is learning more and more about being an angel. He’s learning new tricks and abilities. That pleased me. I keep thinking that with the way Devina plays the game that team angel really needs some extra help or at least some new moves that will help them even out the playing field.

The two vessels that Devina chose to do her evil bidding were predictable. I like to be surprised by the evil doer. Devina being who she is lines up the fact that she will manipulate a situation into her favor. So yes, I expected her to make someone do her bidding, to force the crossroads choice into her court. The moment these two characters came into play I told myself that person will be ill used by Devina. It happened with little complexity.

The sex scenes were lacking in number and in the intensity that Ward brings to her sex scenes. Realistically, if you have ever read any of this lady’s works you know she writes some amazingly hot smut. I found myself flipping back a page at one point because I actually missed the sex scene! Yep, it was glossed right over in comparison to her other works. I also never felt the sexual connection with the Veck and Reilly. The threesome with Eddie, Adrian, and the random just played out like a needed motion, nothing wowing.

I will most likely move on in this series. Although when the next soul was mentioned very specifically I just shook my head. I guess perhaps it might be interesting to see how that will flesh out. Imaging this man written in as a hero seems far-fetched. I am addicted to Jim, Adrian, and Eddie, so I will have to continue reading the series to find out where their trials will take them.

Review: The Highness the Duke by Michelle M Pillow

The Highness the Duke (goodreads.com)

By: Michelle M Pillow (author website)

eBook, 161 pages

Published January 12th 2012 by Raven Books (first published January 11th 2012)

ISBN 13: 9781452417639

Source: Publisher, for the purpose of an honest review

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: Dragon Lords, book #5

Stars: 3

Flames: 3

Aeron Grey overhears a transmission signaling the possible invasion to the planet Qurilixen while at work for the Federation.  When she reports her suspicions, her superiors don’t want to get involved since Qurilixen is not part of the Federation.  Not one to take the possible destruction of a planets’ population in stride she sets out with the help of her sister to warn the Qurilixen people of the attack. Unfortunately the only way they can find to get there is using the Galaxy Brides corporation where they must sign a contract to become brides on that planet.  Aeron doesn’t see this as a problem since she doesn’t plan to stay there or be picked as a bride.

Lord Bronislaw, High Duke of Draig attends the Breeding Festival for the seventh time, he has lost all hope that he will find a bride.  He is pleasantly shocked to discover his bride in Aeron and sets out to make her his.

This is the 5^th book in the Dragon Lords series set in the same time frame as the previous four books.  Bron is the cousin of the four princes and his family is in charge of the breeding of animals, mining, and some intergalactic travel.  It has been a few weeks since I read about the four princes so it was nice to go back to the series.  While this book is a nice addition to the series, I felt there was something lacking in it.  It’s not as long as the previous books and it seems to end abruptly with many unanswered questions.  You do get a brief epilogue where you know that the rest of the story will be told in the other brothers books but it still leaves Bron and Aeron’s story a little up in the air. 

I was happy to see that this story took place (mostly) away from the palace and if you don’t read the previous four books, you won’t be lost.  All the locations, building and clothes were well described. I just wish there was a little more of just Bron and Aeron.  Their relationship was sometimes put on the back burner so that the set up for the series could be told.  With that said I still really enjoyed the story and I will be looking for the next one when it comes out.  

Review: Dark Dates by Tracey Sinclair

Dark Dates, The Cassandra Bick Chronicles, 1

Author: Tracey Sinclair

EBook – 226 Pages

ASIN#:  B007RH5PF4

Source: Author, for purpose of Honest Review

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Series: The Cassandra Bick Chronicles, book #1

Stars: 4

Flames: 3, Moderate sex scenes, adult language

Book Description: All Cassandra Bick wants is to be left to get on with doing her job. But when you’re a Sensitive whose business is running a dating agency for vampires, life is never going to be straightforward – especially when there’s a supernatural war brewing in London, a sexy new bloodsucker in town and your mysterious, homicidal and vampire hating ex-lover chooses this moment to reappear in your life…

Witty, sharp and entertaining, Dark Dates is a heady mix of vampires, witches and werewolves – with the occasional angel thrown in – and introduces Cassandra Bick, a likeable heroine destined to join the ranks of fantasy’s feistiest females.

Now - the review:

The story begins with the statement “you didn’t pick this up because the shop was out of Jane Austen and this looked like the next best thing”.   So many times authors work hard to create a background story to convince us of the existence of supernaturals and paranormals. I don’t know if it is also a way to convince us that their stories are valid and worth a read, or just how they feel it needs to be done.  We read the genre because of the “mights” we enjoy the possibilities of the different. Perhaps in one hundred years there will be paranormal genre books thought of as classics – but does it matter? We read because we enjoy it, and that is the best reason of all. Refreshingly honest and humorous both provide a unique take and a nice introduction that had me hooked at the start.

As always, I do need to say that I received a PDF copy of the book for the purpose of honest review from the author.  I was not compensated for the review, and all conclusions are given freely and honestly, and are my responsibility.

Cassandra is a “Sensitive”, which enables her to sense the existence of others, even those who appear human.  In her attempt to make this “gift” work for her, she has started a dating agency for vampires, running speed dating events and mixers, enabling vampires to meet willing humans for love and ‘other things’. 

Unfortunately, there is a very ancient and powerful vampire that wishes to return to the old status quo, where vampires were feared, hidden and “took” their food, rather than negotiated and bargained for it.  And here I will stop describing the storyline – more would bring spoilers.

There is a solid grounding of humour in this story when Cassandra gets angry or afraid, she sarcastically and humorously uses references from television, movies, other authors and storylines to make her point; which often stuns others into silence.  Where Cassandra also believes that vampires are just like humans, she also dispels the image that they are all ‘romantic, sexy, sparkly, beautiful and brilliant beings’;  like humans they have their fair share of boring, mundane, and stupid. And that is where the author has done a credible job in sharing her view and vision. This isn’t your ‘run of the mill’ vampire story where all the characters are self-important and instantly attracted to the dark side.  In fact, many of the popular references to vampires we all know now, are noted, some skewered, and most put into a new perspective.

The book is written in the first person, done with flair and skill with an occasional nod to the audience.  In many ways, you are drawn into the story sooner with her acknowledgement of the differences in this vampire story from all that came before, and that was a refreshing twist. I will note that if you are not a paranormal / vampire fan, that some of the references will not make sense, although a concerted effort seems to have been made to incorporate references from the most popular and widespread stories.  Each of the characters are created and explained with details that unfold as the story and action increase, with details shared as they become important to the flow and pacing of the story.  The book is set in London and the humor is presented with “Brit flair”, but even if you are not familiar with the slang, it is clearly integrated to avoid confusion. 

As I said, I was hooked from first page to last. There were some minor errors with words misspelled, but as I was more drawn into the story, these became inconsequential and did not distract from the pacing.  There are a few issues with the flashbacks, they provide a needed background; they don’t always fit in as well to the current action.  I understand the ‘humor as a defense mechanism” that Cassandra employs, although occasionally that does feel forced and unrealistic given the life-threatening situations.  And there were times when her hormones reacted before her brain was engaged, but not so often as to turn me away from the story.

I can’t wait to see what the next chapter in Cassandra’s life brings, and only hope that it was as satisfactory and enjoyable as the first. 

Review: The Warrior Prince by Michelle M Pillow

The Warrior Prince (goodreads.com)

By: Michelle M Pillow (author website)

eBook, 262 pages

Published March 8th 2011 by Createspace (first published 2005)

ISBN13: 9781460959725

Source: Publisher, for the purpose of an honest review

Genre: Sci Fi/Fantasy Romance

Series: Dragon Lords, book #4

Best read in order: yes

Stars: 4

Flames: 3

The fourth installment in the Dragon Lords series centers around Pia Korbin and Zoran of Draig.  Pia is an assassin with burns covering most of her body.  Forced on the run for killing in self-defense, she goes to the Galaxy Brides Corporation for free surgery in exchange for being a bride.  After intensive surgery that removes her scars she participates in the Breeding Festival on planet Qurilixen where women are few and warrior men abound.  She is chosen as a bride by Zoran of Draig, the second son of the King and Captain of the guard. 

This has been my favorite couple to this point.  I loved how Pia is so humble about her appearance to the point she vehemently denies being attractive (although that did get a little old after 200 page of people telling her she was attractive but I do understand her perspective).  She is very self-assured in her combat skills but she feels useless to Zoran because he doesn’t seem to value her skills or opinion.  Also, Zoran is so ready to lay the world at Pia’s feet but she is so unsure of herself and Zoran that she doesn’t trust her feelings for him and constantly pushes him away.

This book has some really great sexual tension and verbal sparring between the main characters.  I really enjoyed seeing how Pia and Zoran circled each other before finally opening up their feelings.  

As with the other books in the series, it follows the same series of events leading to the conclusion, however, we are again given a new perspective. We also get a little epilogue at the end to catch up with all four brothers and their wives. 

Review & Giveaway Love's Captive by a Myra Nour

Love's Captive
By: Myra Nour

ebook: 217 pages
Published March 2004 by New Concepts Publishing (first published May 2001)
IBSN: 1586083937 (ISBN13: 9781586083939)
Series: Volran Chronicles, book #1
Source: Author, for the purpose of an honest review
Genre: Adult Fiction
Stars: 4
Flames: 3

Synopsis:

     When Serena awakes, after a close and unpleasant encounter with some sort of stun gun, she very quickly learns that resistance is futile and escape only a yearned for dream. She, and the other Earth women Serena meets aboard ship with her, have been captured by the Moyds, interstellar merchants ….their mission, to procure fertile wives for the men of Volarn, where their race is endangered due to the wide-spread sterility of their own women. Learning this is at least some relief to the captured women, but Serena is disgusted to realize that they are nothing in these men’s eyes but baby makers. Regardless, she knows she has no choice but to face the fate that awaits her with as much dignity as she can muster.

     Once they arrive on Volarn, Serena learns that her assessment has not been entirely accurate. Using their power crystals in the Tarthra Ritual, the warriors approach the women with their crystals to find the mate most suited to them….a woman to love who can love them. Serena is chosen to become King Rhamus’ queen, but, just as she feels herself weakening to Rhamus’ romantic, passionate nature, Rhamus’ enemy, Xarath, abducts her.

My Review:

     From the start this book grabbed my attention and wouldn't let up. I mean "pink pig men"? If I was kidnapped by aliens and the looked like that I'll probably laugh at them. But then they did have some wicked gadgets.

     I really liked this world where that are many different but alike things to earth. Specially liked the strange looking flower that was kind on dandelionish looking but smelled like roses and stick all over the flesh. I'll say that was one of my favorite scenes. Now what I mean? *wink wink*

     Also like the Volarnian women's cycle! I mean no mess to talk about? Yeah how can I change genetics? *lol* As for their method in choosing their mates...OMG can I get one of those? I'm in desperate need in a mate for my heart.

     What I loved about this book is that there was no boring play by play of the situations or places. Don't get me wrong. Descriptions are extremely important when writing a book but not to the extreme as to put every single detail of what is on the picture. (This is in my opinion, you might like it different but I don't judge)

     I also like the story as a whole. Is different and unique. Not your typical romance. And let's face it...who's not a sucker for happy endings, and that ending was definitivelyppy one. Go red-heads! I'm definitively reading the next one!

Myra and all of her awesomeness is giving away a PDF copy of Love's Captive. To enter just comment below with email address. I will email the winning notification on August 24.